South Asians campaigning for Kamala Harris. / Ajay Bhutoria

As we look toward the 2024 Presidential Election, South Asian Americans stand at a pivotal moment in U.S. history. Our choice for the future is clear: Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. As the first Indian-American to serve as Vice President, Kamala Harris has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to the values we hold dear—pluralism, democracy, human rights, and equality. Now, as she steps forward to seek the highest office in the land, it is time for the South Asian community to rally behind her historic candidacy.

With the support of President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris, I have had the honor of serving on the White House AANHPI (Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) Commission. This opportunity allowed me to submit critical recommendations on immigration issues that profoundly impact our community. Notable among these was the issuing of the Employment Authorization Card for all individuals who have filed the first stage of Green card I-140 and not having to wait 10-20 years for EAD (Employment Authorization Document). 

We also advocated for extending the grace period for H-1B terminations from 60 days to 180 days and eliminating the waiting period for aging-out children from age calculation. our efforts contributed to streamlining the Green Card process and H-1B stamping in the U.S., implemented as a pilot program under this administration. 

The automatic extension of EADs is another significant reform that has brought much-needed relief to families navigating complex immigration challenges and issuing of 250k additional visa appointments for travelers from India to U.S. was also a direct result of the immigration subcommittee. This administration had highly prioritized immigration issues for our community and we shall see a stronger commitment in the next administration.

Donald Trump's immigration policies have had a particularly adverse impact on South Asians and Indian Americans, especially concerning H-1B visas, the Muslim Ban, and the green card backlog. His administration tightened restrictions on the H-1B visa program, heavily used by Indian professionals, making it harder for companies to sponsor skilled workers. 

This move disproportionately affected Indians, who make up the majority of H-1B recipients, and created uncertainty for families relying on both spouses' incomes, as the Trump administration sought to rescind the H-4 EAD rule that allowed spouses to work. Additionally, the infamous Muslim Ban sowed fear among South Asian Muslim communities, who faced increased scrutiny and discrimination even if not directly affected by the travel restrictions.

During Trump presidency, his policies also worsened the green card backlog for Indian professionals, many of whom now face decades-long waits for permanent residency. His administration failed to address this issue, leaving thousands in a state of uncertainty and his policies led to wait times for visa appointments in embassies in India. 

The crackdown on asylum seekers and threats of mass deportations under his administration heightened fears, particularly among South Asian asylum seekers fleeing persecution. Trump's approach to mass deportations would disproportionately affect these communities, adding to their sense of insecurity. Overall, his immigration policies limited opportunities, created financial strain, and fostered an atmosphere of fear and discrimination for South Asians and Indian Americans.

When Kamala Harris was introduced as Joe Biden's running mate in 2020 at an online event we hosted in August 2020, President Biden honored her by recognizing her Indian roots and immigrant story. He said, “She is smart, tested, prepared, and what makes her so inspiring is her mother’s immigrant journey from India to America.” This story resonates deeply within the South Asian diaspora. Our families, too, have walked this path of courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a better future.

Kamala Harris has never forgotten her roots. Her mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, came to the U.S. at the age of 19 to pursue education, a path many in our community know all too well. Harris recalls her upbringing with pride, recounting memories of visiting her grandparents in Chennai (then Madras), going on long morning walks with her grandfather, and listening to him speak about the Indian freedom struggle. 

She draws strength from her heritage, a source of inspiration that shaped her passion for justice and public service. As she has often said, “When you see injustice in the world, you have an obligation to do something about it.” This lesson, imparted by her family, drives her to fight for us every day.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, we have seen an unprecedented deepening of the U.S.-India relationship. Vice President Harris has been a key player in strengthening these ties, which was underscored in July 2023 when she hosted a state luncheon for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

In her remarks, Harris acknowledged India’s importance in shaping the global stage, from innovations in technology to its role in addressing climate change. Under her leadership, we will continue to see a partnership with India that not only benefits both nations but also strengthens global democracy and security. 

Beyond diplomacy, Harris has been a tireless advocate for the South Asian diaspora in the United States. From celebrating Diwali with us at the Vice President’s Residence to recognizing Indian festivals like Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, India’s Independence day, Baisakhi and Buddha Purnima, she has embraced our culture in a way no other Vice President or presidential candidate has done before. 

She has made it clear that our community is an integral part of the American fabric. Her actions speak louder than words, including her efforts to expand visa access and streamline green card backlogs that affect so many of us.

Our collective efforts also led to the launch of the White House Economic Summit, designed to support small businesses within our community in becoming federal contractors and understanding the myriad economic opportunities available through federal agencies. 

Additionally, we worked on converting federal websites and documents into multiple languages, including Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Gujarati, to ensure accessibility for all community members. The Biden-Harris administration has also provided stronger protections and funding for places of worship, including temples, gurudwaras, and mosques.

As Vice President, Kamala Harris has stood shoulder to shoulder with South Asians not only in the U.S. but across the globe. She has supported critical aid to countries like India during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided humanitarian relief to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and stood up for human rights in Nepal and beyond. Her leadership has been felt in every corner of South Asia, strengthening ties not just with India but across the entire region. Kamala Harris understands the challenges our community faces, and she is uniquely positioned to address them—both at home and abroad.

Her connection to India is not just symbolic; it is personal and meaningful. In 2020, she became the first candidate for Vice President of South Asian descent, and she proudly shared her story with the world. At the South Asians for Biden event that year, she wished Indian Americans a happy Independence Day and reminded us of the deep historical ties between our community and the civil rights movement in the United States. She reflected on how leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, drawing parallels between the fight for freedom in India and the fight for racial justice in America.

In 2020, our fight was to restore the soul of our nation. Now, in 2024, our fight is for freedom and paving a new way forward. Kamala Harris has proven that she is the leader we need for this moment. Her vision for America includes fighting for equality, protecting democracy, and addressing the urgent issues facing us today—from climate change to healthcare, from immigration reform to economic growth.

The South Asian vote will play a decisive role in this election. Nearly five million strong, our community is critical in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona. We have a powerful voice, and it’s time to ensure it is heard. Kamala Harris is a candidate who understands our journey and is committed to representing our values. 

We must seize this moment to support a candidate who not only represents us but also embodies the values and aspirations we hold dear. Vice President Harris has already made history, and together, we can help her do it again.

In partnership with Governor Tim Walz, Kamala Harris is charting a new way forward for America—one that promises a future where everyone has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead. Together, Harris and Walz envision creating an Opportunity Economy, where everyone has a fair chance to compete and succeed, whether it's buying a home, starting a business, or building wealth. 

Their plan aims to unite workers, community leaders, unions, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and American companies to eliminate barriers to opportunity, revitalize communities, create jobs, grow the economy, and propel industries into the future—whether in rural areas, small towns, suburbs, or big cities.

Harris and Walz understand that small businesses are the engine of the American economy. From local shops to high-tech startups, small manufacturers, and more, these businesses drive innovation and job creation. 

Their agenda includes a comprehensive plan to help small businesses and entrepreneurs grow and innovate, with a target of spurring the creation of 25 million new business applications. This ambitious initiative will include expanding the start-up expense tax deduction tenfold and reducing the everyday red tape that stifles small business growth.

In Kamala Harris, we see a leader who embodies resilience, determination, and hope. Her commitment to addressing issues like immigration reform, healthcare, economic growth, and climate change is exactly what America needs in 2024. The AAPI community knows firsthand that Harris is the leader who can take us forward—together, we can help her make history once again.

Let us unite to support Kamala Harris for President. The future of our nation, and the world, depends on it.

 

The author is the Deputy National Finance Chair, Democratic National Committee, Harris for President Finance Committee, AAPI Community Leader 

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)